Re: Is a drill press ok to mill with
Yes, safety first. However, you can minimize risks quite a bit by proper setup and tools.
1) Work with high quality bits that are sharp and don't go too fast.
2) Secure your metal.
3) Make sure that your piece of metal isn't going to fall apart when you drill into it.
4) Really secure your metal.
5) Use coolant liberally when cutting. When the bit and/or metal gets hot and expands, it grabs and all that motor force goes somewhere. You really want it to not go into you via flying pieces of metal. Stop once in a while to let things cool down.
6) Did I say to secure your metal?
7) Always use safety eyeglasses and gloves.
8) Really make sure that your piece of metal is tightly secured.
That's what I was taught by some machinists. However, I'm sure that people like Jaydee could add more.
Remember, people regularly go to the emergency room after using these things. These machines are more powerful than several burly guys. So, think of them as a 500lb mean and nasty man in prison outfit who pumps iron every day and hasn't had his smokes in 3 days and you in tightly fitting blue jeans.
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